ABSTRACT
The extension of limited access highways from Chicagoland increases the opportunities for settlement in those northern and eastern townships and also for the severing of their connections with the Joliet civil community. The four factors—the economy, Joliet's physical location, sociological developments, and external political decisions—continue to shape Joliet's response. Joliet's economy continues to be principally affected by decisions made outside of the civil community, as has always been the case. While the city of Joliet continues to maintain its own economic development capabilities in its Community and Economic Development Department, which works closely with the Center for Economic Development , and, like the county, contracts with it for many services. Joliet is the only community in Illinois to host two riverboat operators. One riverboat, Harrah's Casino, was essentially earmarked for the community in the authorizing legislation.
